Request to the use Centennial logo by submitting a Level 1 partnership application:  https://forms.office.com/r/AZYgQ7AiMr

Meet the artist: Venice resident and local business owner Stuart Bailey is the designer of the official City of Venice Centennial Logo, adopted by City Council on Oct. 8, 2024. Stuart’s design was selected as the winner through a peer vote, receiving over 540 votes in a logo design contest that featured nearly 30 submissions and garnered a total of more than 3,000 votes.

What were your inspirations in creating the Centennial logo? I had a book on Venice history, “Venice in the 1920s,” and read about The Venice Company and Prentiss French, the original landscape architect who came here. The Venice Company was the promotional/advertisement branch for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers’ real estate holdings in Venice from 1926-1928.

Boom, there it was – the original Venice Company logo. When I saw that, I knew it was a done deal. I thought, let’s represent the group who came here and founded the City – Prentiss French, the BLE, Bertha Palmer, the pioneers.

I wanted to take the logo to the next level, so I dissected the parts of it. I said, what can I do to update the scroll circles in the original logo, and thought those would make nice waves. That made it personal for me as a surfer, but it also represents the beach. The palm tree was something for the out-of-state visitors. For an animal, I went with the pelican. I had to do “Venice” bigger than the other elements as it is really what this is all about. Then, after I finished the logo I was told it was missing the dot on the i. So I incorporated our famous sun setting as the completion.

What does it mean to you to be selected as the logo winner? I was thrilled and it means a lot. I work in my Venice studio and always want to support the City. I’m glad Venice saw my vision and accepted it.

What type of services do you provide at your business? I co-partnered four years ago here in Venice with Andres Sign shop and helped co-created KOWORX, a co-working space which is now in two locations on Venice island and is growing. My graphics trade name is Stuart Bailey Designs, or Stu-Art. My new office at the Pattison Building at 260 Miami Ave. is a full-service graphics and media agency, offering logos, branding, websites and web hosting, signage, apparel brands, and large-format including wraps for vehicles, aviation and marine.

The Centennial mural project is a City staff–led initiative designed to creatively involve employees and City Council, while keeping costs low. City staff will paint the mural themselves, resulting in significant cost savings and providing a hands-on opportunity for staff participation and engagement.

The mural will be located near the City Hall entrance and is intended to serve as a welcoming visual feature and a photo or selfie spot for residents and visitors.

The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately $500 for materials, with no labor costs. Staff painting will take place primarily during the workday to allow staff to take five to ten minutes to step away from their work stations and make their on our City's history. There is no overtime being paid for any work being done after hours. Limited daytime opportunities may be available to allow staff already on shift to stop by and add their contribution.

The design features the official Centennial logo — created by local resident and business owner Stuart Bailey and formally adopted by City Council in 2024 — along with hibiscus flowers and orange blossoms that honor the City’s history, citrus heritage, and coastal setting on the Gulf.

We’ll be sharing progress along the way. If you’re visiting City Hall during painting times, please be mindful and give staff space as they work.

Contributing staff artists:

The proposed Centennial Budget serves as a guide to prioritize expenses for commemorating this milestone through community events, memorabilia, signage, and other initiatives. The budget is subject to change and requires City Council approval each fiscal year.

*These are projected costs and subject to change. The City will also explore opportunities for grant and partnership funding. 

Community partnership and collaboration are integral to the success of the City’s Centennial Celebration. With the steadfast support of the City Council, dedicated City staff, and invaluable stakeholders and partners, the upcoming Centennial will not only be a success, but will embody the spirit of the Venice community.

Take a deeper dive into the history of the City of Venice with the Venice Museum and Archives, home to more than 30,000 pieces in its historical collection that tell the story of our beautiful city on the Gulf!

Venice Museum, Free Admission Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday year round Open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month, Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, March, April 351 Nassau Street South, Venice FL 941-486-2487 |venicemuseum@venicefl.gov
Venice Museum Online Archives Online Collections: https://venicefl.pastperfectonline.com/ Online Newspaper Archive: https://veniceflmuseum.newspaperarchive.com/ Need help? Email Collections Curator Jon Watson
Old Betsy Museum  Passive museum
San Marco Building
Historic Train Depot

The City of Venice invites community organizations, businesses, residents, and visitors to join the Centennial Celebrations through the City’s Centennial Partnership Program. Host new events, adapt existing events, launch campaigns, or share your own creative ideas!

The program offers three levels of partnership, including logo use, one-time events, and permanent features or amenities.

Step 1: Determine your partnership Level
Step 2: Complete the application form using the QR code or link at the bottom
Step 3: Await confirmation or further direction from the Centennial Team

The following Centennial Partnership applications and proposals have been received: